Security Cameras

The purpose of board policy 408 is to establish guidelines for the use of the security camera recording system, as well as the viewing, access and retrieval of security footage recordings at the Central Arkansas Library System (CALS). CALS’s priority is to provide library services to our community, as described in the Library’s Mission Statement.

The purpose of installing video surveillance cameras on Library properties is for security of library patrons and staff and protecting the integrity of library property. Cameras are not installed for monitoring staff performance and will not be used for routine staff performance evaluations.

CALS strives to protect the privacy of library patrons as outlined in Arkansas law 13-2-701-706: Confidentiality of Patrons’ Records. CALS will provide the security surveillance system video and/or audio recordings to law enforcement authorities under the definitions set forth in Arkansas 13-201-704.

CALS will only share patron records with law enforcement or civil courts under a search warrant. The library may decide to share access to camera footage when police are investigating crimes or alleged crimes committed on library property if it is possible to do so without violating Arkansas law 13-2-701-706.

Video recordings, as well as images obtained through archival recordings, may be used internally by library staff to identify person(s) participating in criminal or alleged criminal activity, in violation of library policy, or in violation of the library’s Rules of Conduct. Still images and limited video may be shared with authorized staff members to identify individuals who have been suspended from the library, participated in criminal activity, or are considered a disruption to library operations. Images and videos are shared with staff only when appropriate to raise awareness of safety and security concerns, or at the discretion of library administration.

The Safety department acts as the custodians of the security camera system(s). As such, the Safety department is solely responsible for the reviewing, retrieval, and distribution of security camera footage. Patrons and staff may not review or share security footage without the express consent of library management or administration.